After reading the detailed story in Sunday’s Kansas City Star about building a new streetcar line in the central corridor, I decided to express my thoughts via the blog.  I’ve been following this story for some time, and keep thinking, “$100 MILLION for just the starter line?  Is it worth it?” Many folks don’t think so.

A quick summary of the backstory:  ballots will be mailed to about 700 downtown residents next week, asking for votes  on tax increases to pay for this initial starter line  that will run from the River Market to Union Station.  There are two taxes:  a 1-cent sales tax and a another tax on commercial and residential property taxes (downtown area only).  If approved, the two mile starter route should open in 2015 with four streetcars operating seven days a week, free for all riders.  Ballots are due December 11. Continue reading →